By More Than Just Parks

5 BEST DARK SKY PARKS FOR STARGAZING IN AMERICA

NATIONAL PARKS

DID YOU KNOW?

Four out of five people in America can't see the night skies clearly enough to spot the Milky Way. 99% of us live surrounded by light pollution.

THIS IS WHAT THE NIGHT SKY LOOKS LIKE WITHOUT LIGHT POLLUTION

"Van Gogh painted his famous “Starry Night” in Saint Rémy, France, in 1889. The Milky Way can no longer be seen from there. If he were alive today, would he still be inspired to paint?"

DARK SKY INTERNATIONAL EFFORT

National parks or other public lands can be designated as Dark Sky Parks. The most elite status of an International Dark Sky Park is Gold Tier.

UTAH's MIGHTY 5

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Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion National Parks are all Gold Tier Dark Sky Certified. National Bridges National Monument in Utah was the first International Dark Sky Park in the world.

CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK, pa

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It's hard enough to find a night sky dark enough to contend for Dark Sky Park, much less one on the East Coast that ranks among the best in the world. Group, private, and photography tours are held throughout the year.

great sand dunes national park, co

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The Rocky Mountains aren't Dark Sky designated at this time, but Great Sand Dunes National Park in Southern Colorado offers Dark Sky certified showcases among sand dunes, mountain peaks, and vistas. Due to the influx of 🛸sightings, you can also join the party at the UFO Watchtower just outside the park.

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX

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West Texas as a region loves its pristine night skies, and Big Bend National Park is one of several excellent locations to enjoy the show. Plus, visit Marfa to see the mysterious "Marfa Lights" that nobody can explain.

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

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It's hard to beat the desert skies of Death Valley that are clear most of the year and can be seen from the lowest point in America, in a crater, or from famous peaks in the Panamint Mountains.

MORE "STARS" IN NATIONAL PARKS

Those are just getting us warmed up for the full list of best stargazing spots in America. One park allows just two cars to get Dark Sky Permits with VIP vibes for the nightly show. Check out the rest in our full article.